The recent discontinuation of FATMAP, a beloved 3D mapping service for outdoor activities, has left a significant void in the outdoor sports community, sparking discussions about the future of terrain visualization tools and Strava's role in the situation.
The FATMAP Legacy and Community Impact
FATMAP's unique combination of high-resolution satellite imagery, aspect and gradient shading, and route sharing capabilities made it an invaluable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in the skiing community. The platform's discontinuation following its acquisition by Strava has triggered widespread disappointment among users who relied on its features for both planning and navigation.
I have never missed an app or service like I miss FATMAP. I still search in vain for a half decent replacement every time I go into the mountains and nothing yet comes close. I'd have paid quite a lot more than they were charging to keep it.
Key FATMAP Features Users Miss:
- High-resolution satellite imagery (summer and winter views)
- Aspect and gradient shading
- Route sharing with detailed descriptions
- Comprehensive 3D terrain visualization
- Integrated planning and navigation tools
Strava's Integration Promise and Current Status
While Strava initially announced plans to integrate FATMAP's technology into their platform by mid-2023, recent developments suggest a more complicated situation. Despite original promises of incorporating FATMAP's core features, including 3D maps and route planning capabilities, the integration has yet to materialize. This has led to growing frustration within the community, with some users reporting they've cancelled their Strava subscriptions in response.
Emerging Alternatives
In the wake of FATMAP's closure, several alternatives have emerged, including CubeTrek, which offers 3D visualization of GPS tracks and topographical data. While these platforms provide some similar functionality, users note that no single solution currently matches FATMAP's comprehensive feature set. Many outdoor enthusiasts are now using a combination of different apps like Maps 3D, Outmap, and CalTopo to replicate FATMAP's functionality.
The situation highlights a broader issue in the outdoor tech space: the vulnerability of specialized tools to corporate acquisitions and the community's need for reliable, long-term solutions for outdoor activity planning and visualization.
Reference: CubeTrek: Home for all your GPS Tracks